Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with a population primarily of Malays, Chinese, and Indians, each group possessing its distinct cultural identity. Malaysia is composed of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which gained independence on August 31, 1957. In Malacca, there exists a small community descended from Portuguese settlers who intermarried with Malay women. Though they have embraced Malay culture, they maintain their unique language and practice Catholicism. Every ethnic group carries its own cultural traits, each achieving varying levels of assimilation. The Chinese, for instance, have merged significantly with Malay culture in places like Terengganu, forming hybrid communities such as the Baba Chinese in Malacca and the Sino-Kadazan in Sabah. The combined British rule has given birth to a shared identity among the different ethnicities, with English traditions and norms serving as unifying aspects.